The merger will help the affiliate’s health centers prepare for the implementation of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, officials added.

“We strongly believe that a merged affiliate serving central and western New York will assure a secure, long-term future for the Planned Parenthood mission in our combined service area” said Jim Stewart, president and CEO of the Rochester/Syracuse Region.

The newly formed Planned Parenthood of Central and Western New York will have its headquarters in Rochester and have 10 health centers located throughout central and western New York.